A newly identified virus, named Wetland Virus (WELV), has been discovered in China, raising concerns about its impact on human health. The virus was first detected in a 61-year-old patient from Jinzhou city in June 2019, who developed symptoms five days after a tick bite in the wetlands of Inner Mongolia. The patient presented with fever, headache, and vomiting, and was resistant to antibiotic treatment, as reported in The New England Journal of Medicine.
WELV is part of a group of tick-borne viruses, similar to the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, known for their severe effects on human health. Following the initial case, researchers conducted extensive investigations in northern China, collecting nearly 14,600 ticks from various sites. Approximately 2 percent of these ticks tested positive for WELV genetic material, with the primary carrier being the Haemaphysalis concinna species.
Further analysis revealed the presence of WELV RNA in several animals, including sheep, horses, pigs, and the Transbaikal zokor rodent. Laboratory tests showed that the virus can have cytopathic effects on human umbilical-vein endothelial cells and cause lethal infections in animal models.
Researchers also tested blood samples from forest rangers in the affected region and found that 12 out of 640 individuals had antibodies to WELV. Among patients with tick bites, 20 tested positive for the virus, exhibiting symptoms such as fever, dizziness, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. One patient experienced a coma due to high white blood cell counts in the brain and spinal fluid.
Although all patients recovered with treatment, laboratory experiments on mice indicated that WELV could lead to severe infections and potentially affect the nervous system. This suggests that while the virus might present mild symptoms in some cases, it has the potential to cause significant health issues, particularly involving the brain.
The discovery of WELV underscores the need for further research to understand the virus’s full range of effects and to develop strategies for preventing and treating infections. The finding also highlights the broader implications of tick-borne diseases and their potential impact on human health.